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Coronavirus live news: global confirmed cases pass 2.5m, as Sweden reports its highest daily death toll Coronavirus live news: global confirmed cases pass 2.5m but Italy sees first significant fall in infections
(32 minutes later)
Singapore extends lockdown after cases rise; Donald Trump signals immigration ban; Oktoberfest cancelled; US oil market collapsesSingapore extends lockdown after cases rise; Donald Trump signals immigration ban; Oktoberfest cancelled; US oil market collapses
Italy reported 534 new deaths from coronavirus on Tuesday, 80 more than on Monday, bringing the death toll to 24,648, Angela Giuffrida reports.
However, the number of people currently infected with the virus fell by 528 to 107,709 - the first significant fall since the outbreak began.
Italy’s total cases to date, including victims and survivors, rose by 2,727 to 183,957.
Italy has been under lockdown since 9 March, with only some businesses, such as bookshops, and factories reopening over the past week. The quarantine is due to end on 3 May, after which restrictions will be eased. Prime minister Giuseppe Conte said on Tuesday a plan would be announced by the end of this week.
“A reasonable forecast is that we will apply it from May 4,” he said.
An online sale of face masks made by Japanese consumer electronics company Sharp saw such overwhelming demand that it crashed not only the site, but also the company’s range of smart home gadgets across Japan, writes Guardian technology editor Alex Hern.
In common with many manufacturers worldwide, Sharp has pledged to use excess capacity in its factories to manufacture PPE, some of which is being sold direct to the public. At ¥2,980 (£22) for a box of 50, the face masks are good value, and Japan is experiencing a shortage nationwide, despite a long history of public mask wearing.
But when the masks went on sale, the initial stock of 3,000 sold out rapidly, according to Asahi Shinbun, and then the special site created for the sale collapsed, which also brought down the server controlling Sharp’s smart home appliances, including smartphone-powered air conditioners.
According to Sharp, the same server was used to manage logging in to both sites, meaning that over-usage of one crashed both.
“The masks received a great response, and we apologise for the inconvenience. We are investigating the details of the cause,” a Sharp spokeswoman said.
Almost one in six Japanese households have some sort of smart device, according to Statista, with comfort and lighting devices like those sold by Sharp the second most-popular category. The country’s humid and hot summers make a remotely controlled air-conditioner a smart purchase for many – at least, until the server breaks entirely.
Greek authorities have placed the town of Kranidi in the Peloponnese under curfew after a mass outbreak of coronavirus cases was detected among refugees being hosted in a holding facility in the area, Helena Smith reports from Athens.
The lockdown was announced by Nikos Hardalias, the civil defence minister handling the government’s response to the pandemic, who rushed to the region after it was revealed that 150 detainees and two employees at the site had tested positive for the virus.
Local residents will be forced to remain indoors between 8pm and 8am for the next 14 days with health officials imploring the older generation not to leave their homes at all.
The outbreak has alarmed authorities who ordered the facility - home to asylum seekers from Somalia and Sudan - be put in quarantine last Thursday.
The curfew came as Greece’s centre right government signalled the country would begin relaxing restrictive measures next week when land registry offices and courts of first instance reopen to the public, albeit partially, on April 27.
Meanwhile, media outlets reported that Greece’s death toll as a result of Covid-19 had risen to 120 after a 35-year-old man, with no underlying illnesses, and a 101-year-old woman, also succumbed to the disease. To date cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in three refugee reception centres, including Kranidi.
Greek authorities have said they will begin transferring elderly and vulnerable refugees from overcrowded Aegean island camps to the mainland amid mounting concerns of the potentially lethal virus hitting facilities hosting in excess of 35,000 people on islands facing the Turkish coast.
The nation, which marked Orthodox Easter over the weekend under strict lockdown, has fared better than most other EU states after the government announced tough preventative measures early on.
The İstanbul Chamber of Physicians says that at least 2,000 healthcare workers in the city have been infected and nine have died, numbers far in excess of Turkey’s official figures, reports Bethan McKernan, the Guardian’s Middle East and Turkey correspondent.The İstanbul Chamber of Physicians says that at least 2,000 healthcare workers in the city have been infected and nine have died, numbers far in excess of Turkey’s official figures, reports Bethan McKernan, the Guardian’s Middle East and Turkey correspondent.
The government’s official figures, last updated on 2 April, put the number of sick healthcare workers at 601.The government’s official figures, last updated on 2 April, put the number of sick healthcare workers at 601.
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city with a population of 17 million, has around 60% of the country’s total cases. Hospitals are generally more organised than in the chaotic few weeks of the pandemic but “serious problems continue,” a statement from the the union said on Monday.Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city with a population of 17 million, has around 60% of the country’s total cases. Hospitals are generally more organised than in the chaotic few weeks of the pandemic but “serious problems continue,” a statement from the the union said on Monday.
The union says that at least 2,000 healthcare workers have been infected and nine have died in Istanbul alone. .The union says that at least 2,000 healthcare workers have been infected and nine have died in Istanbul alone. .
Reported fatalities across Turkey also remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 2,140. However, analysis by the New York Times of death records in Istanbul shows that the city has seen a jump of 2,100 more deaths than expected in a recent four-week period, suggesting the coronavirus outbreak may be much worse than officials say.Reported fatalities across Turkey also remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 2,140. However, analysis by the New York Times of death records in Istanbul shows that the city has seen a jump of 2,100 more deaths than expected in a recent four-week period, suggesting the coronavirus outbreak may be much worse than officials say.
Turkey is also not following WHO guidelines for recording data related to the pandemic, only counting cases that have been confirmed with a positive test result and excluding cases that have been clinically diagnosed as Covid-19 with no test administered.Turkey is also not following WHO guidelines for recording data related to the pandemic, only counting cases that have been confirmed with a positive test result and excluding cases that have been clinically diagnosed as Covid-19 with no test administered.
The days of cheap air travel will be over if airlines are forced to introduce physical distancing measures on planes because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry has warned, reports Julia Kollewe.The days of cheap air travel will be over if airlines are forced to introduce physical distancing measures on planes because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry has warned, reports Julia Kollewe.
Alexandre de Juniac, the director general of the International Air Transport Association (Iata), said that if governments ordered airlines to adopt physical distancing onboard aircraft, at least a third of seats would remain empty and airlines would have to raise their ticket prices by at least 50% or go bust.Alexandre de Juniac, the director general of the International Air Transport Association (Iata), said that if governments ordered airlines to adopt physical distancing onboard aircraft, at least a third of seats would remain empty and airlines would have to raise their ticket prices by at least 50% or go bust.
Singapore has reported 1,111 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, the second day in a row that it has reported more than a thousand new cases.Singapore has reported 1,111 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, the second day in a row that it has reported more than a thousand new cases.
Although the latest rise is several hundred short of Monday’s - which at 1,426 was the biggest yet for the south east Asian city state - it will compound fears that the country’s strict controls to curb the spread of the virus are increasingly ineffective.Although the latest rise is several hundred short of Monday’s - which at 1,426 was the biggest yet for the south east Asian city state - it will compound fears that the country’s strict controls to curb the spread of the virus are increasingly ineffective.
Nearly all - 1,050 - of the cases were among the dormitory-housed migrant workers that Singapore relies on to provide the city’s essential basic services, the ministry of health said in its daily statistical release, adding that the large increase in cases was only now being picked up because of extensive testing.Nearly all - 1,050 - of the cases were among the dormitory-housed migrant workers that Singapore relies on to provide the city’s essential basic services, the ministry of health said in its daily statistical release, adding that the large increase in cases was only now being picked up because of extensive testing.
In total, Singapore has recorded 9,125 cases of coronavirus, and 11 deaths.In total, Singapore has recorded 9,125 cases of coronavirus, and 11 deaths.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world has now passed 2.5m, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world has now passed 2.5m, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.
The US remains top of the national rankings kept by the Maryland, US-based research university, with 788,920 cases, followed by Spain with 204,178, then Italy with 181,228, followed by France, Germany and the UK.The US remains top of the national rankings kept by the Maryland, US-based research university, with 788,920 cases, followed by Spain with 204,178, then Italy with 181,228, followed by France, Germany and the UK.
However, with testing regimes differing widely between countries, it is difficult to say with certainty whether the league table is accurate.However, with testing regimes differing widely between countries, it is difficult to say with certainty whether the league table is accurate.
The Department for Health and Social Care has published the latest UK hospital death figures. There are 823 new deaths, taking the total to 17,337.The Department for Health and Social Care has published the latest UK hospital death figures. There are 823 new deaths, taking the total to 17,337.
Follow our UK liveblog for the latest.Follow our UK liveblog for the latest.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced 481 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, as the daily death toll remained flat from Sunday.New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced 481 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, as the daily death toll remained flat from Sunday.
“We have paid a tremendous price to control this beast,” Cuomo said of New York’s death toll, which is higher than that of any other US state.“We have paid a tremendous price to control this beast,” Cuomo said of New York’s death toll, which is higher than that of any other US state.
In some promising news, the number of new coronavirus hospitalizations yesterday fell to 1,300, although the overall number of hospitalizations remained unchanged.In some promising news, the number of new coronavirus hospitalizations yesterday fell to 1,300, although the overall number of hospitalizations remained unchanged.
The number of intubations has also been on a consistent decline in recent days.The number of intubations has also been on a consistent decline in recent days.
Follow the latest updates from the US, including all the details from Cuomo’s daily briefing, on our US coronavirus live blog.Follow the latest updates from the US, including all the details from Cuomo’s daily briefing, on our US coronavirus live blog.
Bangladesh has reported 434 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, and nine more deaths, as the lockdown in the country risks throwing tens of thousands of workers into poverty.Bangladesh has reported 434 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, and nine more deaths, as the lockdown in the country risks throwing tens of thousands of workers into poverty.
On Tuesday, the country’s Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research said the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus so far had risen to 3,382, of whom 110 had died.On Tuesday, the country’s Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research said the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus so far had risen to 3,382, of whom 110 had died.
The numbers of confirmed cases reported in recent days suggests that the south Asian country of 161m people is at the beginning of its outbreak curve.The numbers of confirmed cases reported in recent days suggests that the south Asian country of 161m people is at the beginning of its outbreak curve.
On Tuesday, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of the Reuters news agency, reported that the government could sue owners of garment factories who fail to pay their staff during the lockdownOn Tuesday, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of the Reuters news agency, reported that the government could sue owners of garment factories who fail to pay their staff during the lockdown
Last week, thousands of factory workers protested on the streets of Dhaka and other cities after their workplaces - hit by a downturn in the garment sector - closed without paying their March wages.Last week, thousands of factory workers protested on the streets of Dhaka and other cities after their workplaces - hit by a downturn in the garment sector - closed without paying their March wages.
The government has said at least 350 factory owners have not yet paid, with more than 150,000 workers affected, though labour leaders say the true figure is much higher, according to the Thomson Reuters Foundation.The government has said at least 350 factory owners have not yet paid, with more than 150,000 workers affected, though labour leaders say the true figure is much higher, according to the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Labour ministry official Shibnath Roy told the agency that businesses that did not pay staff would not receive any money from a $588 million rescue package that Bangladesh announced last month for its crucial export sector.Labour ministry official Shibnath Roy told the agency that businesses that did not pay staff would not receive any money from a $588 million rescue package that Bangladesh announced last month for its crucial export sector.
“We have taken these steps to create pressure on factory owners. If they still don’t pay, we will file cases against them in the labour court,” he said.“We have taken these steps to create pressure on factory owners. If they still don’t pay, we will file cases against them in the labour court,” he said.
How Brazil’s favelas are staging their own Covid-19 fightbackHow Brazil’s favelas are staging their own Covid-19 fightback
Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, has described coronavirus as a “little flu” and resisted lockdown measures even as the death toll rises. But in Rio’s poorest favelas, where people live in overcrowded conditions and lack proper sanitation, they are bracing for the worst.Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, has described coronavirus as a “little flu” and resisted lockdown measures even as the death toll rises. But in Rio’s poorest favelas, where people live in overcrowded conditions and lack proper sanitation, they are bracing for the worst.
Buba Aguiar is an activist in Acari who is taking matters into her own hands, soliciting online donations to buy food parcels and basic coronavirus kit - soap, masks - for her neighbours who cannot afford to stop working and stay at home.Buba Aguiar is an activist in Acari who is taking matters into her own hands, soliciting online donations to buy food parcels and basic coronavirus kit - soap, masks - for her neighbours who cannot afford to stop working and stay at home.
As Acari records its first coronavirus death, the Guardian followed Buba through a typical day fighting to help her community in the face of government inaction.As Acari records its first coronavirus death, the Guardian followed Buba through a typical day fighting to help her community in the face of government inaction.
Covid-19 has created an unexpected outburst of cross-community co-operation across the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland, reports Henry McDonald in Belfast.Covid-19 has created an unexpected outburst of cross-community co-operation across the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland, reports Henry McDonald in Belfast.
The Protestant Orange Order has announced it has bought a substantial quantity of PPE which it will distribute to health staff on both sides of the Irish border.The Protestant Orange Order has announced it has bought a substantial quantity of PPE which it will distribute to health staff on both sides of the Irish border.
The Grand Lodge of Ireland - the Order’s ruling body on the island - has said it has purchased tens of thousands of masks, protective gowns and hand sanitiser.The Grand Lodge of Ireland - the Order’s ruling body on the island - has said it has purchased tens of thousands of masks, protective gowns and hand sanitiser.
Orange lodges in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic have been tasked to distribute the PPE.Orange lodges in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic have been tasked to distribute the PPE.
Edward Stevenson, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, said everyone owned “a huge debt of gratitude to all key workers who are working so hard to tackle this dreadful disease.”Edward Stevenson, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, said everyone owned “a huge debt of gratitude to all key workers who are working so hard to tackle this dreadful disease.”
The Orange Order has already taken the unusual step of cancelling all its parades and marches including the annual commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July in response to the pandemic.The Orange Order has already taken the unusual step of cancelling all its parades and marches including the annual commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July in response to the pandemic.
Orangemen however are still making use of the drums they use in the marching season. Some are taking them out to batter during the mass applause and public displays of support for NHS and other key workers every Thursday since the lockdown began.Orangemen however are still making use of the drums they use in the marching season. Some are taking them out to batter during the mass applause and public displays of support for NHS and other key workers every Thursday since the lockdown began.
The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Africa has passed 23,000, the Africa Centres for Disease Control reported earlier today.The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Africa has passed 23,000, the Africa Centres for Disease Control reported earlier today.
The coronavirus outbreak in Turkey is starting to reach a plateau and the country aims to return to normal life after Ramadan, which ends in late May, president Tayyip Erdoğan was quoted as saying by state-owned Anadolu news agency on Tuesday.The coronavirus outbreak in Turkey is starting to reach a plateau and the country aims to return to normal life after Ramadan, which ends in late May, president Tayyip Erdoğan was quoted as saying by state-owned Anadolu news agency on Tuesday.
“We aim to achieve maximum observance of measures during the month of Ramadan and, God willing, a transition to normal life for our country after the holiday,” Erdoğan said, according to Reuters.“We aim to achieve maximum observance of measures during the month of Ramadan and, God willing, a transition to normal life for our country after the holiday,” Erdoğan said, according to Reuters.
The announcement comes as Turkey’s Covid-19 outbreak hit 90,981 cases, overtaking China to become the seventh most affected country in the world (as reported earlier by my colleague, Bethan McKernan, in Istanbul).The announcement comes as Turkey’s Covid-19 outbreak hit 90,981 cases, overtaking China to become the seventh most affected country in the world (as reported earlier by my colleague, Bethan McKernan, in Istanbul).
Reported fatalities remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 2,140. However, analysis by the New York Times of death records in Istanbul shows the city has seen a jump of 2,100 more deaths than expected in a recent four-week period, suggesting the coronavirus outbreak may be much worse than official tallies.Reported fatalities remain much lower than other badly hit countries, at 2,140. However, analysis by the New York Times of death records in Istanbul shows the city has seen a jump of 2,100 more deaths than expected in a recent four-week period, suggesting the coronavirus outbreak may be much worse than official tallies.
Austria will allow restaurants and cafes to reopen and religious services to resume from 15 May, Sebastian Kurz, the chancellor, said on Tuesday.Austria will allow restaurants and cafes to reopen and religious services to resume from 15 May, Sebastian Kurz, the chancellor, said on Tuesday.
“We are going faster here than other countries towards something like a new normality,” Kurz told a news conference, according to Reuters. He said that “gastronomy businesses”, a term that often includes bars, will be allowed to reopen from 15 May and stay open until 11pm.“We are going faster here than other countries towards something like a new normality,” Kurz told a news conference, according to Reuters. He said that “gastronomy businesses”, a term that often includes bars, will be allowed to reopen from 15 May and stay open until 11pm.
Religious services can resume from the same day.Religious services can resume from the same day.
Austria acted early, closing restaurants, bars, theatres, non-essential shops and other potential gathering places more than a month ago. People were told to stay at home and work from there if possible.Austria acted early, closing restaurants, bars, theatres, non-essential shops and other potential gathering places more than a month ago. People were told to stay at home and work from there if possible.
Now it is among among the first to loosen its lockdown, allowing DIY stores, garden centres and shops of less than 400 sq metres – roughly twice the area of a singles tennis court – to reopen a week ago.Now it is among among the first to loosen its lockdown, allowing DIY stores, garden centres and shops of less than 400 sq metres – roughly twice the area of a singles tennis court – to reopen a week ago.
Shopping centres, larger shops and hairdressers are due to follow from 1 May.Shopping centres, larger shops and hairdressers are due to follow from 1 May.
Saudi Arabia plans to change curfew hours it imposed on several cities during the month of Ramadan to allow people more time to shop for essentials, state news agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.Saudi Arabia plans to change curfew hours it imposed on several cities during the month of Ramadan to allow people more time to shop for essentials, state news agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
Currently, people living in areas under 24 hours curfew can go out for healthcare and to supermarkets from 6am to 3pm. During Ramadan these hours will start from 9am until 5 pm, SPA said.Currently, people living in areas under 24 hours curfew can go out for healthcare and to supermarkets from 6am to 3pm. During Ramadan these hours will start from 9am until 5 pm, SPA said.
The announcement comes as the Saudi ministry of health reported 1,147 new confirmed cases of coronavirus – the biggest increase yet in the kingdom – and six more deaths. It is the fourth day in a row that the country has reported more than 1,000 new infections.The announcement comes as the Saudi ministry of health reported 1,147 new confirmed cases of coronavirus – the biggest increase yet in the kingdom – and six more deaths. It is the fourth day in a row that the country has reported more than 1,000 new infections.